Hernia home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of not just inguinal hernia, but other types of hernias too. Hence, there are many health experts too, that advise people to add such remedies to their medical treatment plan. Therefore, given below are certain home remedies for hiatal hernia pain :
Home Remedies For Hernia
- Eating small meals and frequent intervals, making it easier for the digestive system to process them. It is best to eat around 5 to 6 light meals during the day.
- A gap of minimum 2 to 3 hours should be maintained between a meal & bedtime. Lying down flat soon after eating could cause the acids from the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus, aggravating the discomfort of hiatal hernia.
- Foods that are spicy, acidic and high in fat or oil should be avoided, as they are heavy to digest and could cause the symptoms of the hernia to get worse. Instead, it is best to eat a higher amount of those foods that are high in fiber
- Alcohol, caffeinated beverages and aerated drinks could cause an inflammation in the digestive system and therefore should be strictly avoided by patients suffering from hiatal hernia.
- Sleeping with the head elevated, around 6 inches above normal, which can be done by using two pillows. Alternately, people could also try placing a brick under the frame of the bed. This allows gravity to pull the acids from the stomach downwards, as the patient sleeps. However, at times, sleeping on two pillows could lead to pressure on the abdomen.
- Certain herbal remedies, such as Slippery Elm and Chamomile are excellent for soothing hiatal hernia symptoms. A paste made from slippery elm should be mixed into chamomile tea and consumed in small amounts for best results.
- Drinking a quarter cup of Aloe Vera juice, twice a day, i.e., once in the morning and once in the evening is very good for managing hiatal hernia discomfort.
- Peppermint should not be consumed in any form for at least two hours, before going to bed.
Diet for Hernia
In order to prevent recurrences, the diet for hernia should be high in protein and low in fat. A low intake of protein and excess consumption of fat can cause the abdominal walls to become weak, thus increasing the risk of hernia. Therefore it is advisable to include in your diet foods that are rich in protein such as cottage cheese, tuna and chicken. Also opt for low-fat milk and dairy products to control your fat intake. Fiber is also an important addition to the diet. Consume plenty of fresh fruits such as apples and pears as they are rich in fiber. Nuts, whole grains and beans are also excellent sources of fiber. A good intake of fiber will promote better bowel movements and alleviate constipation. This will help to reduce the symptoms of hernia.
